Title: PROTOTYPE COLUMN

Discover the world of interviews - This is how we truly get to know people!

Social science interviews

Read the following info box to learn more about interviews in the field of social sciences.

Q: Discussion: In small groups, think about why people like to tell their stories and what can be discovered through an interview. Write down three possible reasons.
A: 1. People like to tell their stories to connect with others on a personal level. 2. Storytelling can be a way for individuals to process and make sense of their experiences. 3. Through an interview, one can discover unique perspectives, hidden talents, and personal growth.

Conducting a social science interview

Q: Imagine you want to conduct an interview in civics / social sciences / social studies or similar. What are important terms that come to mind on the topic? What do you need to pay attention to? Make notes, then create a mind map together with the rest of the class.
A: Important terms to consider might include 'democracy', 'citizenship', 'political participation', 'social justice', 'civic engagement', 'public policy', 'human rights', 'community development', and 'social inequality'. Pay attention to the clarity of your questions, the relevance to the interviewee's expertise, and the flow of the conversation. Consider ethical issues such as informed consent, confidentiality, and the potential impact of the interview on the participants. Creating a mind map can help organize these terms and aspects visually, facilitating better understanding and discussion among the class.

Additional information for teachers

Sample solution for the mind map

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How do I conduct an interview?

Watch the following video, then answer the corresponding questions.

Erste Frage

Q: What is the first step in the interview process according to the video?
- Getting your subject to agree to the interview (correct)
- Choosing a quiet interview location
- Drafting a list of questions
- Researching the interview subject

Erste Frage

Q: Why is it important to ask open-ended questions during an interview?
- They make the interview shorter
- They are easier to record
- They help maintain eye contact
- They prompt more detailed answers (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: What should you do if your subject agrees to the interview?
- Share your questions in advance
- Send them a thank-you card
- Immediately start the interview
- Set up a time and place that is convenient for them (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: How can you make your interviewee feel comfortable and more likely to open up?
- Avoid asking personal questions
- Start with the most difficult questions
- Conduct the interview in a noisy place
- Establish a friendly rapport and make eye contact (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: Why is it critical to listen carefully during an interview?
- So you can write down every word
- To avoid missing the chance to ask important follow-up questions (correct)
- To ensure the interview does not exceed the time limit
- To make sure the recording device is working

Erste Frage

Q: What should you do if the subject gives an answer that inspires a new question?
- Ignore the new question and move on
- End the interview immediately
- Stick strictly to your original list of questions
- Ask the new question to get more detailed information (correct)

Erste Frage

Q: What is an appropriate way to start an interview?
- By complimenting the interviewee and making small talk (correct)
- By jumping straight into sensitive topics
- By asking for their resume
- By giving them a list of your questions

Erste Frage

Q: What is a good practice to follow after the interview is completed?
- Publish the interview without review
- Ask them for more interviews immediately
- Send the interviewee a thank-you card (correct)
- Never contact the interviewee again

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Different types of interviews

Group task: Match the interview type to the topics

Read through the different types of interviews and then decide for each topic which interview type is most suitable:

Topic 1: "The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers"

Topic 2: "The Story of a World War II Eyewitness"

Topic 3: "Students' Opinions on Healthy Eating in School"

Now, write down the appropriate interview type and a brief justification for each topic.

Q: Topic 1
A: Semi-structured interview - This type of interview is suitable because it allows for a mix of prepared questions and flexibility to explore new topics that may arise during the conversation, which is beneficial when discussing the multifaceted impact of social media on teenagers.

Q: Topic 2
A: Unstructured interview - This interview type is ideal for capturing personal stories and experiences, such as those of a World War II eyewitness, allowing the interviewee to share their narrative in a natural and detailed manner.

Q: Topic 3
A: Structured interview - This type is appropriate for collecting specific opinions from students about healthy eating in school, as it ensures consistency and comparability of responses across different interviewees.

Conducting an interview

Q: Imagine you are conducting an interview on the topic of 'Harry Potter.' Note down whom you would interview and what questions you would like to ask the person (at least three questions).
A: I would interview J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series.
1. What inspired you to create the world of Harry Potter?
2. How did you develop the unique characteristics of each main character?
3. Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or challenges you faced while writing the series?

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Reflection - What makes a good interview?

Q: What does an interviewer need to conduct a good interview? Write down three important skills or qualities. Discuss your results afterwards in class.
A: Three important skills or qualities an interviewer needs to conduct a good interview are active listening, preparation, and empathy. Active listening ensures that the interviewer fully understands the responses and can ask relevant follow-up questions. Preparation allows the interviewer to have a clear structure and purpose for the interview, making it more focused and efficient. Empathy helps in building rapport with the interviewee, making them feel comfortable and more likely to share genuine responses.

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